And there's not much that can spoil it - but one thing is really starting to wind people up.

Bags of dog mess are being spotted in trees prompting a question that's being asked by people who enjoy the countryside in a responsible manner - why?

The little bags adorn trees across the region, winding up dog owners who bother to find a bin for their pet's excrement.

Enforcement teams and councils are cracking down on dog owners across the country, but the bags are still popping up causing not only an eyesore but a major health and safety hazard, the Liverpool Echo reports .

Here we look at why people do this, and whether they can be fined if caught.

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What can dog owners do to set a good example?

Speaking to the BBC Countryfile magazine about the issue, Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club Secretary, said: "Dog owners should always clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste appropriately and the vast majority do, however a small minority who do not can give all dog owners a bad name.

"A lack of bins in an area, particularly public footpaths through the countryside and woodland areas can be frustrating, but is not an excuse to hang dog waste bags in trees or leave them on the ground as some people seem to do.

"Owners should keep their dog waste bags with them until they can find a dog waste bin or regular litter bin, or should take it home with them to dispose of it properly."

Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust also say that if there are no specific dog waste bins available, it is possible to put bagged mess in a public litter bin.

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